January Newsletter 2013

Dear Friend,

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...” Ephesians 3v20. At the start of a new year, as we have been looking at the aspirations for the year ahead both in our own lives and those around us, we have been reminded of this verse. God is able to do far more than you could ever dream of this year in your life, but the key is that it is through His power. Our prayer for you this year is that you may know God’s power to a greater degree in your life.

The year 2012 ended in a flash of its own. Donald and his missionary friend Vicente had been invited to Chiapas a Southern Mexico State very close to Guatamala. Having travelled for 37 hours by bus, we arrived very tired but with an energized spirit as God also used us on the way to minister to the people on the long bus rides. In Chiapas we preached in a local church in a small town called ”Tapachula” and went on to make new connections and ties with various villages in order to minister to the people. We are keeping these contacts to be able to send out missionaries to them later this year. The people in Chiapas were very humble and received us with open hands as we visited three villages where we preached the gospel.

Becky arrives in Mexico
The big news is that Becky has arrived safely in Mexico and has started serving here as a missionary. There have been various challenges in the first month as she has had to deal with changes in language, climate and culture but she is gradually settling down and picking up more Spanish. Already she has been involved in the work in the villages, has been teaching some English in the ministry’s English school and is quickly becoming the football team’s resident Physiotherapist. She has started building up relationships with the local women including through cookery lessons.

Village Ministries
This month saw Donald’s five year anniversary of working in Delicias. The work there is stronger than ever with a weekly discipling course for young mothers in the village and for the girls. This month a team of people took 100 shoeboxes, from Samaritans Purse, filled with presents to the children there. The church was packed full of children ready to receive their presents, but as they eagerly waited, they were told of an even greater present sent for them-Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

Another ministry, in Nueva Candelaria, has also really been growing as God has been using the group members to minister to other people too. Eunice is a daughter to the lady whose house we meet in. Eunice recently started helping out in a nearby Orphanage offering her care for the several children who are there because of various reasons. She tells a story of a 2 year old little girl who she has been offering care to, who was abused and had her entire back burnt by her step farther. She says “I am glad I have found God, He is now using me to bless others who are helpless who can’t help themselves like this little one!” Only to God be the Glory!

Missions House Construction
The building of the Mission’s house here in San Pedro has been underway for the last 11 weeks. The basic structure of the house is completed and work is currently underway on the inside. A great guy Donald calls “Dad” has been currently here with us too, having travelled down from Ohio, doing an amazing job tiling the whole house. Donald plans to move in today, getting things ready for when we return after our wedding. Some sad news, a few nights ago the house was broken into and all the equipment/materials were stolen along with many tiles and the door itself! This feels like a bit of a set-back but we are trusting that God will work it out for good. Donald was able to share the Gospel with all the workers when this happened, encouraging them that no matter what happens in our lives, God knows and if He knows, then He is the only hope and only sure thing we can have and no one can ever steal. With this, he prayed for them as they had also lost their materials. Please keep us in your prayers for protections and safety here in Mexico.

Thank God:
• That Becky has arrived here safely and is picking up the language
• For the work on the Mission’s House so far and that God has provided skilled people to help with the construction
• That there are more people whose hearts are being stirred up to help with the village ministries. May we continue to disciple those who are more than willing to leave their families behind for the serving of the Lord.

Please pray:
• For God’s continued grace for Becky as she continues to adapt to life in San Pedro and for both of us as we adapt to life and ministry together
• For the children who attended the recent present distribution event, that they would remember the greatest gift of all-“Jesus!”
• For guidance, protection and safety as we encounter new challenges along the way. May we continue to trust the Lord each and every single day.

Thank you so much
We are very grateful for all your prayers and support. We are always very encouraged to hear from you and to know how we can also be praying for you. Looking at every way we are a blessing to the people around us and the lives that are touched and changed by the powerful loving grace of Jesus, we know you play a great part in it all and you are a partaker of the grace that the Lord has bestowed on our lives. We are so thankful to have a friend like you and we could not be where we are now without you.

Much love and blessings
In His service
Donald and Becky